It was an eventful second day of the 2017 NFL Draft for former Gators, as four heard their names called Friday night.
The first of the bunch was safety Marcus Maye, who was selected 39th overall by the New York Jets in the second round. Shortly after, cornerbacks Quincy Wilson (46th, Indianapolis Colts) and Jalen “Teez” Tabor (53rd, Detroit Lions) finally were selected, making it the first time three Florida defensive backs were selected in the same single round of a draft.
In addition, the New Orleans Saints selected linebacker Alex Anzalone in the third round of the draft, 76th overall
Through three rounds, the Gators have five former players selected, behind just Alabama (nine), LSU (six), Michigan (six) and Ohio State (six). It's the first time since 2010 that UF saw that many former Gators hear their names called in the first three rounds.
Maye was the second safety selected by the Jets in the draft, as New York picked LSU safety Jamal Adams sixth overall on Thursday. Instead of attending the draft, the Gators safety spent the night with his family and friends at home in Melbourne, Florida – a day before his graduation from UF.
Like first-round selection Jarrad Davis (Detroit Lions), Maye benefitted his draft stock greatly by returning to Florida for his final season. As a redshirt senior, despite suffering a season-ending arm injury against South Carolina in November, he racked up 50 tackles to go along with an interception, six pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Notably, in 2015, Maye tied for the SEC lead with five forced fumbles and second most in the country.
In Maye, the Jets now have a versatile, athletic safety who could help out often in the box with his tackling ability.
Wilson and Tabor, who both opted to declare early for the draft, were the eighth and ninth cornerbacks off the board this draft, following Marshon Lattimore, Marlon Humphrey, Adoree’ Jackson, Gareon Conley, Tre’Davious White, Kevin King and Sidney Jones.
In Wilson, the Colts selected a physical corner who excels in press-man coverage. As a junior, he had a productive season with 33 tackles, 3.5 TFL, a sack, three interceptions and six pass breakups. Wilson joins former teammate Antonio Morrison in Indianapolis.
Meanwhile, Tabor and Davis will reunite in Detroit, much to the delight of many Gators fans. Tabor’s stock took a hit due to a string of poor performances in offseason workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day, especially in the 40-yard dash, but ultimately the Lions were impressed with what Tabor has put on film over the years.
In his junior season, Tabor recorded 33 tackles, two TFL, four interceptions, six pass breakups and a sack.
After strong performances at the Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day, Anzalone worked his way into third-round consideration by impressing teams with his athleticism and coverage ability. Despite his injury history, missing time as a Gator due to a strong of shoulder injuries and an arm injury, the Saints were intrigued with Anzalone’s upside he brings to the table when he’s able to stay healthy.
Last season, Anzalone finished with 53 tackles, four TFL, three sacks and six quarterback hurries in nine appearances, before seeing his season end due to his arm injury.
Heading into day three of the 2017 NFL Draft, a number of former Gators still remain on the board, including defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, offensive tackle David Sharpe, defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. and defensive tackle Joey Ivie. Instead of returning to school for the 2017 season, both Brantley and Sharpe opted to declare early for the draft.
Brantley is in the midst of controversy and saw his stock fall, after being charged for misdemeanor battery on April 13. He was initially projected as a day two selection.
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